Working while standing - really as good as everyone says?

There are many diseases that are exacerbated or even caused by prolonged sitting. For example, the body burns fewer calories, which increases the risk of diabetes and obesity. For this reason, many companies have now introduced standing desks and standing stools to keep employees fit. But is standing really the right solution when it comes to health at work? We have researched it for you!

Why is prolonged sitting so dangerous?

In Germany, people sit for an average of 7.5 hours a day, which is made up of private and professional activities. Almost 47 percent of employees in Germany perform their work purely sitting down, and in some age groups, it's almost 60 percent. In many companies, poor, old office chairs also contribute to the further deterioration of employees' health status. But what exactly are the consequences of prolonged sitting for the body?

When sitting, the circulation slows down. The body doesn't have to work, and calorie consumption is significantly lower. If food intake remains the same, the risk of obesity and diabetes increases. The risk of heart attacks also increases for every hour a person sits continuously.

Your muscles also suffer from prolonged sitting. They are not challenged throughout the entire workday and thus become weaker and may even atrophy. You can counteract this with exercise, but many people don't do that after a strenuous day at the office. In addition, even exercising three times a week cannot compensate for the long period of inactivity that office life entails. Due to incorrect postures or protective postures, muscles can also cramp or shorten.

In addition to the physical consequences, the psychological effects are also a great danger: If you sit for more than 42 hours a week, the risk of mental illness increases by almost 30 percent. Lack of movement and too much time in the office also lead to you being increasingly ill-tempered, unmotivated, and sluggish. Active breaks and movement in everyday life have been proven to counteract this burden.

There are various ways to integrate movement into the monotonous office routine. Active breaks like a walk are not always possible, so ergonomic office furniture and standing desks can be a good alternative. For example, a sitting and standing stool from Deskspace encourages the body to make small micro-movements even during prolonged sitting.

Advantages of working while standing

Working at a height-adjustable desk has been investigated by many independent scientists and doctors in recent years. In the long run, it offers many advantages that you might not expect at first glance:

• Standing upright is the natural basic posture of humans. It relieves your back and thus prevents back pain
• When standing, the lungs are no longer compressed. This allows you to breathe in more oxygen and generally feel fitter & more alert
• Almost no calories are burned while sitting. If you perform your work standing, more calories are burned without really noticeable effort. This is a noticeable difference, especially during long 40-hour weeks
• The freedom of movement is much greater when standing, and you feel less sluggish. Instead of using the phone, you might be more likely to just go to a colleague's office to discuss something
• In video conferences and phone calls, you appear much more confident and dynamic. Experienced colleagues or business partners immediately notice when someone is at a standing desk
• Blood circulation is better promoted when standing. This not only makes you feel fitter and improves your mood, but your brain is also supplied with more blood, and you are more productive and motivated
• Your joints are in a natural position when standing and are not bent all day, as is the case with your knees when sitting, for example. This relieves them and significantly reduces wear and tear

US researchers even found in a long-term study that working at a standing desk contributes to weight loss. A person weighing 65 kilograms loses ten kilograms in four years if they stand for 6.5 hours a day instead of sitting. This is because the body burns 0.15 calories more per minute when standing.

These are just some of the advantages of working while standing. The long-term consequences for your body and your performance are immense. Standing desks are therefore a real must-have, especially in office jobs. Many desks can even be retrofitted with an electrically adjustable frame, and many employers pay for this conversion for the benefit of their employees.

A high-quality, height-adjustable desk from Deskspace is available from 449 Euros. Assembly is possible without expert knowledge, and the desk also has many practical functions such as obstacle detection and child safety lock.

Are there any disadvantages to working at a standing desk?

Generally speaking: no, there aren't – at least not proven ones. Of course, there are exceptions here, because with certain illnesses and injuries, it can certainly be useful to pursue your profession while sitting.

Another important point is how you stand at your height-adjustable desk. You should always make sure that your back is not bent or crooked. The leg position is also crucial; you should not bend your knees or lean on the desk. However, with proper adjustment, the height-adjustable desk is in no way a danger to your health.

What should you consider when choosing a height-adjustable desk?

Today, height-adjustable desks are available from various providers. From very inexpensive frames under 100 euros to complete desks for 1500 euros, there is something in every price range. However, there are a few points to consider when choosing a height-adjustable desk to ensure a pleasant workday.

The desk should be a complete set of frame and tabletop so that you don't have to go to the effort of finding a suitable tabletop. A memory function that can save a preset height is also important. Obstacle detection ensures that your desk is not damaged by carelessness. The child safety lock also serves this purpose, as it prevents smaller children from accidentally changing the desk. A water-repellent and insensitive surface allows for easy wiping with a damp cloth.

All these features are met by a height-adjustable desk from Deskspace. Our models are available in various sizes, colors, and designs, so they fit perfectly into any room. Optionally, you can also opt for an ergonomic sitting and standing stool, which makes everyday work even more comfortable. Feel free to visit us!